Flag Retirement Ceremony - Multiple Flags 🤍 🖨️
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Category:Flag Retirements - 03 Main
Props:multiple U.S. flags for retirement
Props:fire pit or large ceremonial fire
Props:Scout color guard
Props:flag sorting area
Props:assistants to feed flags
Notes:Designed for retiring a large number of flags in one ceremony, common when a VFW or community collection yields many flags.
Notes:The first flag receives full ceremonial honors; remaining flags are retired in steady succession during a period of silent reflection; the final flag closes the ceremony.
Preparation: Sort flags beforehand. Set the first flag aside for the opening and the last flag aside for the closing. Place the remaining flags on a table near the fire, ready to be placed one after another. Each flag should be unfolded before being placed on the fire. Flags should never touch the ground. The fire should be large enough to accept flags continuously without smothering. Assign two or three assistants to feed flags steadily into the fire. Ensure each flag is fully consumed and reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag. Note: flags made from synthetic materials (nylon with flame retardants) may produce harmful fumes and should not be burned. Instead, cut the flag into pieces, removing the blue field with the stars first, and recycle the material. A dignified ceremony can still be conducted before the flag is sent for recycling.

MC: We are gathered here tonight to retire these flags which are no longer fit for display. Each of these flags has served faithfully as a symbol of our nation. Some have flown over homes, some over businesses, some over the posts and halls of veterans who knew firsthand what this flag represents.

MC: The United States Flag Code states: 'The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.'

MC: Tonight we will retire (state the number) flags. Each one deserves our respect. We will give the first flag full honors on behalf of all the flags here tonight. We will then retire the remaining flags in steady succession while we reflect in silence. When the final flag is placed on the fire, we will close together.

The color guard brings the first flag forward, unfolds it, and presents it to the audience.

MC: This flag represents all the flags we retire tonight. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'

MC: Scouts... Hand Salute.

The color guard places the first flag on the fire. Hold the salute until it is fully engaged.

MC: Two.

MC: We ask that everyone maintain a respectful silence as the remaining flags are retired. Each flag placed on this fire served our nation. Let each one remind you of the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made to preserve them.

Assistants begin placing flags on the fire one at a time in a steady rhythm. Allow each flag to catch before adding the next. The audience remains silent throughout. If desired, a drummer may keep a slow, quiet cadence, or 'America the Beautiful' may be hummed softly. When the second-to-last flag is placed and burning, the MC signals the color guard to bring the final flag forward.

MC: This is the last flag. Scouts... Hand Salute.

The color guard places the final flag on the fire. Hold the salute.

MC: Two.

Pause for a moment of silence while the last flag burns.

MC: Tonight we have retired (state the number) flags that faithfully served our nation. Though their fabric is gone, the ideals they represent endure. Thank you for honoring them with your presence and your silence. God bless America.

batch community flag retirement multiple flags patriotic vfw